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SEN

Here you'll find advice from parents and teachers on special needs education.

1-1

2 replies

Jennybeans401 · 26/05/2023 07:10

My eldest has 1-1 support in school but the TA has been off and the teacher sits with another SEND student during the lesson. The other pupils (not SEND) are struggling because there's a lack of help in the class too!

The school generally have few teachers and the ones that are still there go off for long periods with stress.

My dc has been crying everyday due to struggling in class unsupported. Surely this shouldn't happen if 1-1 is in place?

OP posts:
Toomanyminifigs · 26/05/2023 08:34

Does your DC have an EHCP? If so, what does it say in Section F about support? Section F is the part that is legally enforceable. If must lay out the quantifiable support DC requires in terms of hours, who's delivering the support, what training they must have etc.

If that is the case then the school MUST provide that support - even if it means getting agency staff in. That's what they do for my DS if his support staff are off sick.

You can email the senco/SLT with the wording of the relevant section in the EHCP to remind them of their duties. (Always put things in writing.)

If you haven't seen it there's some good info here:

https://www.ipsea.org.uk/what-should-be-in-the-sections-relating-to-education-sections-b-and-f

If Section F isn't clear and says things like: 'would benefit from' or 'should have access to' then sadly, it's much harder to argue for full time 1 to 1 support. You could ask for an emergency annual review (although I believe the LA doesn't have to agree to that).

School budgets are so stretched, if an EHCP isn't watertight then this, sadly is what can happen.

If your DC doesn't have an EHCP then you can apply for one even if the school isn't supportive. (This is what I had to do). Again, some good info here:

https://www.ipsea.org.uk/ehc-needs-assessments

Without an EHCP, it's so much harder to secure support. You can still ask to meet with the SENCO and explain how your DC is struggling and ask them what the plan is to ensure they can access the curriculum. Even without an EHCP, the school still has a duty to support DC - but the specifics can't be legally enforced.

ThomasWasTortured · 26/05/2023 10:20

I second @Toomanyminifigs.

Unless 1:1 is detailed, specified and quantified in F of an EHCP you cannot enforce 1:1.

If it is detailed, specified and quantified in F of an EHCP email the LA’s Director of Children’s Services as it is the LA who is ultimately responsible for ensuring the provision is provided. Inform them DC is not receiving the provision detailed, specified and quantified in F and remind them of their duty to secure the provision under s.42 CAFA 2014. If the situation persists email again threatening judicial review. Then if that doesn’t work contact SOSSEN for help with a pre-action letter.

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